ADDRESS 


TO  THE 


jpyf e*9«i  of  M$ JI®fow 


IN  BEHALF  OF  THE 


AMERICAN  EDUCATION 
SOCIETY. 


PRINTED  BY  FLAGG  AND  GOULD. 

1825. 


v  &Y 


JL  he  Directors  of  the  American  Education  Society 
have  been  engaged  for  several  years  past,  in  applying  the  charity 
of  the  christian  public,  for  the  promotion  of  the  great  object  pro- 
posed in  the  formation  of  this  charitable  institution. 

This  Society  is  but  the  medium,  through  which  public  benef- 
icence reaches  and  effects  its  object ;  it  is  merely  the  almoner  of 
public  bounty.     It  is  therefore  manifest,  that  while,  on  the  one 
hand,  the  Directors  look  with  the  deepest  interest,  to  the  effects 
of  their  labours ;  they  must,  on  the  other  hand,  look  with  no  less 
interest,  to  the  friends  of  religion  in  the  community,  for  those  sup- 
plies which  their  operations  continually  demand.     For,  it  ought 
to  be  distinctly  understood   and  remembered  by  all,  that  the  ob- 
jects of  this  Society  are  no  local  or  private  concern.     Its  benefits 
do  not  rest  upon  its  members,  or  its  Directors.     They  individual- 
^   ly  incur  sacrifices,  and  make  efforts,  in  attending  to  its  concerns, 
and  watching  over  its  interests  ;  for  which  they  expect  no  earthly 
remuneration.     It  is  the  honour  of  Christ,  in  the  advancement 
^  and  prosperity  of  his  Church,  which  stand s<  forth  as  the  object  of 
X-  our  labours  and  charities  in  this  underotmniding. 

The  Directors  therefore,  do  not  appear  before  the  public  to 
^  ask  alms  for  themselves,  or  for  the  promotion  of  any  private  in- 
ro  terest ;  but  they  present  the  Education  Society  to  public  atten- 
^  tion,  as  an  association,  duly  organized  and  prepared  to  receive 
(  the  fruits  of  christian  charity,  and  appropriate  them  to  purposes, 
in  which  every  friend  of  Christ  must  feel  an  interest.  It  is  the 
cause  of  every  minister,  of  every  church,  and  of  every  sincere 
friend  of  Christ,  which  we  plead.  The  object  in  view,  can  never 
£  be  accomplished  by  individual  exertion.  It  requires  the  vigorous 
cooperation  of  the  friends  of  the  Redeemer.     Therefore,  chris- 


r* 


tian  brethren,  we  ask  you  to  unite  with  us  in  furnishing  ministers, 
for  the  destitute  churches  and  congregations  in  our  country  ;  and 
in  preparing  messengers,  who  may  go  forth  and  declare  the  un- 
searchable riches  of  Christ,  in  the  destitute  regions  of  our  world. 

But,  while  this  Society  offers  itself  as  the  channel,  through 
which  christian  charity  may  flow  and  take  effect ;  it  seems  pro- 
per, that  the  public  should  be  made  acquainted  with  the  result  of 
its  past  labours  ;  that  they  should  understand  its  methods  of  pro- 
ceeding ;  and  that  they  should  take  a  fair  view  of  the  importance 
of  its  object.  For,  in  this  way  only  can  they  be  enabled  to  judge, 
how  far  it  merits  confidence,  and  affords  encouragement  for  in- 
creasing support. — To  these  points  then,  the  attention  of  all  the 
friends  of  the  Saviour,  and  of  man,  is  respectfully  solicited. 

From  a  statement  published  by  the  officers  of  the  Society, 
soon  after  its  institution,  it  appears  that,  "  during  the  summer  of 
1815,  a  few  individuals  in  Boston,  becoming  deeply  impressed 
by  the  necessity  of  greater  efforts  than  had  heretofore  been  made, 
to  increase  the  number  of  pious  and  learned  ministers  ;  invited 
a  number  of  clergymen  from  neighbouring  towns  to  meet  with 
them  for  consultation.  At  this  meeting  which  was  held  the  last 
week  in  July,  and  opened  with  prayer,  a  more  full  exhibition  of 
the  deficiency  of  qualified  christian  teachers  in  our  land,  clothed 
the  subject  with  a  solemn  interest ;  and  impressed  on  every  one 
present  a  strong  conviction,  that  ail  good  men  are  called  to  unite 
in  immediate  and  vigorous  efforts  to  provide  a  remedy.  Under 
this  impression  it  was  «otod  to  be  expedient,  that  a  Society  be 
formed  for  the  purpose  of  aiding  indigent  young  men  of  talents 
and  hopeful  piety,  in  acquiring  a  competent  education  for  the  Gos- 
pel ministry  ;  and  a  committee  of  six  clergymen  and  four  laymen, 
was  appointed  to  frame  a  constitution  to  be  reported  at  a  future 
meeting."* 

At  this  subsequent  meeting,  which  was  holden  at  Boston, 
August  29, 1815,  and  attended  by  about  fifty  gentlemen,  the  con- 
stitution was  reported,  and  after  deliberate  discussion,  article  by 

*  See  Appendix  to  Dr.  Worcester's  Sermon  delivered  October,  1816. 


article,  was  unanimously  adopted.     The  Act  of  Incorporation  is 
dated  December  4,  1S16. 

From  these  facts  it  appears  that  this  Society  has  existed,  as 
legally  constituted,  but  about  nine  years.  Consequently,  the  pub- 
lic will  not  expect  that  it  can  yet  number  among  its  beneficiaries 
many,  who  have  come  forward  upon  the  stage  of  public  action. 
Excepting  a  limited  number  of  the  early  objects  of  its  patron- 
age, who  were  somewhat  advanced  in  their  studies  when  that 
patronage  commenced ;  the  beneficiaries  have  not  had  time  to 
finish  their  prescribed  literary  and  theological  course,  preparato- 
ry to  active  service.  Still,  in  the  catalogue  of  ordained  ministers, 
who  have  pastoral  charges,  or  who  are  labouring  as  evangelists  ; 
in  the  bands  of  Missionaries,  who  have  gone  forth  to  preach  the 
Gospel  in  the  regions  of  moral  darkness  ;  and  among  the  Agents, 
who  are  employed  in  promoting  the  interests  of  various  charitable 
institutions  ;  we  already  see  the  names  of  some,  who  are  enrolled 
on  the  records  of  the  American  Education  Society  as  her  sons, 
and  who  have  been  raised  by  her  instrumentality,  to  a  sphere  of 
active  and  extensive  usefulness.  A  larger  number  still,  have  just 
completed  their  collegiate  course,  and  are  now  engaged  in  the 
instruction  of  Academies,  or,  are  pursuing  professional  studies  in 
our  Theological  Seminaries.  But  the  greatest  number  is  still 
found  in  the  first  and  second  stages  of  their  education,  attached  to 
Academies  and  Colleges  in  different  parts  of  our  country. 

The  whole  number  of  young  men  who  have  received  assist- 
ance from  this  Society  since  its  first  establishment,  is  527. — Of 
these  13  are  ordained  Ministers,  10  are  Missionaries,  or  in  the 
employ  of  charitable  Societies,  and  1 1  are  licensed  Candidates 
for  the  ministry  ;  making  the  whole  number  of  those  who  preach 
the  Gospel  in  one  way  or  another,  33.  Two  hundred  are  now 
members  of  Colleges,  and  forty  two  are  members  of  Academies 
preparing  for  College.  The  remaining  number,  so  far  as  their 
present  situation  can  be  ascertained,  is  composed  of  those,  who 
have  just  graduated,  and  are  employed  as  instructors  of  our  youth, 
or  are  pursuing  professional  studies.  In  this  calculation  however, 
we  must  make  allowance  for  a  small  number,  who,  from  the  fail- 


ure  of  health  and  consequent  discouragement,  or  from  other  caus- 
es, have  been  led  to  relinquish  the  object  of  pursuit. 

So  much  has  been  done.  And  when  we  take  into  the  ac- 
count the  time  during  which  the  Society  has  been  in  operation, 
and  the  means  which  it  has  had  at  its  disposal ;  it  must  be  ac- 
knowledged, that  this  result  has  exceeded  the  most  sanguine  ex- 
pectations of  its  friends.  It  is  to  be  remembered  however,  that  a 
few  years  to  come  will,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  exhibit  much 
greater  visible  effects  of  these  labours,  because  a  large  number, 
who  have  passed  almost  through  the  preparatory  stages  of  study  ; 
but  are  still  in  a  great  measure  hid  from  public  observation,  will 
shortly  some  forward  into  the  field  of  active  service.  When  we 
consider  the  number  of  those  who  have  just  completed  their  ed- 
ucation, and  of  those  who  are  now  drawing  near  its  completion, 
for  whom  the  greater  part  of  the  necessary  expense  has  been  al- 
ready incurred  ;  we  may  say,  without  boasting,  much  has  been 
done  already.  And  what  is  still  more  important  is,  that  the  ex- 
periment has  fully  demonstrated,  that  much  more  may  be  done. 
The  practicability  of  furnishing  a  competent  supply  of  christian 
teachers  for  our  widely  extended  frontier  and  its  growing  popula- 
tion, is  no  longer  questionable.  All  that  is  wanting  is,  the  united 
persevering  support  of  the  friends  of  religion  in  our  land.  Indeed, 
it  is  entirely  practicable  for  the  American  churches  to  furnish,  and 
that  promptly,  their  proportion  of  ministers  and  missionaries,  for 
the  evangelizing  of  the  world. 

The  attention  of  the  christian  public  will  now  be  invited  to  a 
view  of  the  method  of  proceeding,  which  the  Directors  have 
adopted  in  the  prosecution  of  this  design. 

In  the  first  place.  It  is  the  settled  purpose  of  the  Directors, 
to  patronize  none  but  young  men  who  are  really  indigent,  who 
are  hopefully  pious,  and  who  possess  promising  talents.  To  these 
limits  the  constitution  of  the  Society  restricts  every  measure. 
And  every  precaution  which  could  be  devised,  has  been  adopted, 
to  prevent  failure  or  imposition,  in  the  execution  of  this  part  of 
the  undertaking.  That  this  may  appear  to  the  satisfaction  of 
every  candid  mind,   let  us  look  for  a  moment  at  the  standing 


rules  of  the  Directors,  respecting  the  reception  and  management 
of  their  beneficiaries. 

The  following  is  one  of  these  rules,  viz. "  On  the  day 

preceding  the  quarterly  meetings  of  the  Directors,  every  candi- 
date for  the  charity  of  this  Society,  in  whatever  stage  of  his  edu- 
cation, shall,  unless  otherwise  specially  directed,  be  examined  at 
Boston,  by  a  committee  of  the  Board,  as  to  the  evidences  of  his 
personal  piety,  and  his  motives  in  wishing  to  engage  in  the  min- 
istry, as  well  as,  to  his  talents  and  literary  attainments.     At  the 
same  time  he  must  exhibit  unequivocal  testimonials,  from  three  or 
more  respectable  persons  best  acquainted  with  him,  and  his  cir- 
cumstances, (for  example  his  minister,  instructor,  and  a  magistrate 
or  some  other  principal  man  in  the  vicinity,)  stating  his  age,  place 
of  residence,  indigence,  moral  and  religious  character,  talents, 
learning,  and  serious  desire  to  devote  his   life  to  the  Gospel  min- 
istry.    If  his  examination  and  testimonials   are  satisfactory,  he 
may  be  placed  on  the  foundation  for  such  assistance  as  the  Direc- 
tors shall  judge  expedient ;  and  upon  trial  for  three   months,  at 
the  close  of  which  period  he  shall  exhibit  from  his  instructor  or  in- 
structors, sufficient  evidence  that  in  point  of  genius,  diligence,  lit- 
erary progress,  and  piety,  he  is  a  proper  candidate  to  recievethis 
sacred  charity. — Provided  however,  that  except  in  extraordinary 
cases,  no  candidate  shall  be  thus  received,  who  is  not  fifteen  years 
of  age,  and  who  has  not  studied  the  languages  under  an  instructor 
at  least  three  months." 

The  examination  of  candidates  for  this  charity  who  live  more 
than  one  hundred  miles  from  Boston,  is  provided  for  by  the  ap- 
pointment of  a  committee  in  some  contiguous  college,  which  com- 
mittee certifies  to  the  Directors  its  satisfaction. 

Concerning  the  foregoing  rule  it  is  to  be  remarked,  that  every 
applicant  for  this  charity  is  required  to  produce  the  testimony  of  at 
least  three  substantial  witnesses,  who  must  be  supposed  to  be  well 
acquainted  with  the  facts  concerning  him,  and  who  must  be  con- 
sidered as  impartial  as  any  that  can  be  found.  These  witnesses 
must  concur  in  the  testimony  that  the  applicant  is  indigent,  that 
he  sustains  the  reputation  of  piety,  and   that  he  is  promising  as 


8 

it  respects  his  talents  and  proficiency.  This  is  the  first  precau- 
tionary step. — The  second  is,  that  he  is  carefully  examined  by  a 
committee  appointed  by  the  Directors,  as  to  the  evidence  of  his 
piety,  his  motives  in  wishing  to  engage  in  the  ministry,  and  his 
talents  and  literary  attainments  until  the  committee  are  satisfied. 
— The  third  step  is,  that  he  is  put  upon  trial  for  three  months, 
under  some  suitable  teacher,  whose  certificate,  at  the  expiration 
of  that  period,  that  he  continues  to  exhibit  suitable  traits  of  char- 
acter for  the  ministry,  is  the  requisite  condition  of  his  receiv- 
ing further  aid  ;  and  the  same  certificate  must  be  repeated  quar- 
terly for  the  same  purpose. — And  a  fourth  precautionary  step 
against  failure  in  any  subsequent  stage  of  education,  is  the  follow- 
ing rule.  "The  principal  Instructor  of  all  beneficiaries  and  the 
committee  who  examined  them,  are  constituted  their  joint  guar- 
dians, and  are  expected  to  watch  with  due  vigilance  over  their 
conduct,  to  see  that  they  receive  a  thorough  education,  to  guard 
them  against  imprudence  in  their  expenses  or  in  contracting  debts, 
and  in  general  against  every  thing,  which  would  tend  to  violate 
the  rules  or  defeat  the  object  of  this  institution ;  and  finally  to 
acquaint  the  Board  seasonably  and  faithfully,  with  any  thing  man- 
ifestly faulty  in  their  character  or  conduct. — This  part  of  the  sub- 
ject is  closed  so  far  as  the  rules  of  the  Directors  are  concerned, 
by  the  general  rule  that  "  Every  beneficiary  as  a  condition  of  en- 
joying charity  shall,  in  the  whole  course  of  his  education,  conform 
exactly  to  the  constitution  of  the  Society,  and  the  rules  of  the 
Directors." 

If  the  persons  depended  on  for  information  in  the  recommen- 
dation, and  subsequent  instruction  of  beneficiaries,  are  faithful  to 
their  trust ;  it  seems  that  the  rules  of  the  Directors  leave  little  room 
for  imposition  or  failure.  It  is  true,  that  man,  who  looketh  on 
the  outward  appearance,  may  be  deceived,  or  may  misjudge,  af- 
ter all  possible  precaution.  To  guard  against  miscarriage,  so  far 
as  human  prudence  can  do  it,  is  what  the  Directors  propose ;  and 
more  than  this,  a  candid  public  will  not  demand. 

Again.  It  is  a  settled  part  of  this  design,  merely  to  assist 
young  men  of  the  above  description  in  obtaining  their  education. 


The  Directors  do  not  expect  nor  desire  to  afford  them  a  full  sup- 
port, so  as  to  supersede  the  necessity  of  exertion  and  economy 
on  their  own  part.  It  is  doubtless  best  that  the  beneficiaries 
should  learn  to  depend  principally  on  their  own  efforts.  The  as- 
sistance which  the  Directors  afford  them,  is  designed  to  be  bare- 
ly sufficient  to  help  out  their  own  exertions,  and  keep  them  from 
sinking  in  despondency.  To  effect  this  purpose,  the  quarterly 
appropriation  to  the  beneficiaries,  has  been  reduced  from  time 
to  time,  as  experience  has  directed  ;  and  one  half  of  the  sum  now- 
appropriated,  is  merely  a  loan ;  which  they  are  obligated  to  re- 
fund, when  their  education  is  completed. — Though  there  may  be 
some  instances  of  indiscretion  in  the  use  made  of  these  benefac- 
tions, still  it  is  a  known  fact ;  that  in  most  cases  the  beneficia- 
ries, after  receiving  their  allowance  from  the  Society,  are  under 
the  necessity  of  making  great  personal  exertions,  and  of  strug- 
gling with  many  difficulties  and  discouragements,  to  accomplish 
their  object. 

The  President  of  one  of  the  Colleges  in  New  England,  in  re- 
ply to  the  charge,  that  charity  scholars  are  proud  and  extrava- 
gant, speaks  in  the  following  terms. 

"  There  may  be  now  and  then  an  instance,  which  furnishes 
some  ground  for  these  remarks ;  but  in  general  they  are  by  no 
means  wanting  in  point  of  economy. — Judge  for  yourselves. — 
The  American  Education  Society  allow  their  beneficiaries  but  six- 
ty dollars  a  year.*  This  will  do  but  little  more  than  clothe  them. 
Most  of  the  young  men  have  no  parents  to  aid  them,  and  no  funds 
of  their  own.  There  is  then  their  board,  and  washing,  and  fuel, 
and  books,  and  stationary,  and  several  other  items,  to  be  provided 
for  ;  even  though  all  their  college  expenses  are  given  in. — And 
these  exertions  they  are  not  backward  to  make.  Eight  benefi- 
ciaries in  our  College  last  year,  received  for  school  keeping,  near 
three  hundred  dollars.  Could  you  see  all  the  straits  to  which 
these  dear  youth  are  reduced,  in  their  struggle  to  get  forward  to 

*  This  was  the  sum  then  allowed  at  most,  of  the  colleges.  Now,  the  al- 
lowance is  seventy  two  dollars  a  year,  and  the  same  at  all  the  colleges,  one 
half  of  which  is  a  loan  to  be  refunded. 

2 


10 

the  service  of  Christ  and  his  church,  could  you  see  all  their  dis- 
couragements and  their  shifts  ;  I  am  sure  it  would  touch  your 
heart.  Their  love  to  Christ  and  the  souls  of  men,  will  not  surfer 
them  to  go  back  ;  and  yet  I  have  seen  them  go  forward,  with  an 
eye  lifted  to  heaven,  and  encountering  difficulties  which  I  am 
sure  would  make  your  compassions  bleed.  Some  of  them,  for 
the  sake  of  saving  thirty  or  forty  cents  a  week,  which  they  know 
not  how  to  provide,  board  themselves  in  their  own  rooms,  and 
dress  their  own  food  ;  which  is  but  scanty  fare.  Those  rooms, 
which  daily  witness  their  prayers  for  a  dying  world  ;  witness  also 
the  dry  morsel  which  they  consume  alone.  1  have  sometimes 
wished  that  the  wealthy  christian  could  look  in  upon  that  devoted 
youth  at  such  a  moment ;  and  I  am  sure  he  would  think  it  a  lux- 
ury, to  do  something  to  relieve  a  child  of  God,  sustaining  all  this, 
for  his  love  to  Christ  and  the  souls  of  men." 

In  addition  to  the  consideration,  that  the  beneficiaries  of  this 
Society,  from  the  small  allowance  which  they  receive  from  the 
funds  ;  are  under  the  necessity  of  using  all  possible  economy,  to 
meet  unavoidable  expenses  ;  the  Directors  are  disposed  to  en- 
courage their  engaging  in  personal  labour,  to  provide  for  their 
own  wants.  The  business  of  teaching  school  in  vacations,  or  at 
other  seasons,  when  they  can  obtain  leave  of  absence  from  Col- 
lege ;  has  been  most  frequently  resorted  to,  and  has  probably  been 
found  most  productive.  But,  as  this  practice  is  some  interrup- 
tion of  study,  and  is  attended  with  hazard  to  health ;  it  seems 
very  desirable  that  some  kind  of  labour  should  be  pursued,  which 
will  not  interfere  with  the  regular  hours  of  study,  at  the  same 
time  that  it  affords  the  necessary  exercise  for  the  preservation  of 
health.  At  one  of  our  Colleges,  the  indigent  students  saw  and 
split  most  of  the  wood  for  the  whole  College  ;  by  which  means 
they  earn  four  or  five  hundred  dollars  a  year.  Some  wait  in  the 
college  hall,  and  thus  save  their  board. 

The  question,  whether  some  system  of  agriculture  might  not 
be  adopted,  in  connexion  with  the  assistance  of  Education  Socie- 
ties ;  which  would  be  productive  and  highly  salutary,  has  for  a 
considerable  time  occupied  the  attention  of  the  Directors:  and 
their  views  on  this  subject  are  expressed  in  the  following  vote,  viz. 


11 

"  Voted,  That  it  is  the  desire  and  expectation  of  this  Board 
that  their  beneficiaries  in  each  stage  of  their  education,  should,  as 
far  as  they  have  opportunity,  employ  at  least  two  hours  in  a  day, 
in  productive  labor  ;  with  a  view  both  to  aid  them  in  defraying 
the  expenses  of  their  education,  and  to  the  promotion  of  vigorous 
health  ;  and  that  their  instructors  be  requested  to  direct  and  aid 
them  as  to  suitable  employment." 

To  mature  a  system  of  agricultural  employment,  which  shall 
operate  successfully,  and  be  applicable  to  the  situation  of  all  the 
beneficiaries  at  the  different  Seminaries,  will  require  much  delib- 
eration. But  the  subject  will  be  kept  in  view,  and  the  public 
may  rest  assured,  that  every  thing  which  can  be  done,  with  any 
rational  prospect  of  success,  will  be  done. 

The  Directors  have  also,  for  the  further  security  of  their  ben- 
eficiaries, and  their  encouragement  in  pursuit  of  their  great  ob- 
ject ;  as  well  as  to  gain  correct  information  of  their  proficiency 
and  character ;  come  to  the  resolution,  that  they  shall  be  visited 
periodically,  by  some  member  of  the  Board.  This  measure  will 
afford  opportunity  for  parental  advice  and  admonition,  both  as  it 
respects  conduct  and  expenses. 

At  this  visitation  also,  particular  inquiries  can  be  made  of  their 
Instructors,  and  of  others  acquainted  with  them,  concerning  their 
habits  and  appearance.  By  this  means  the  indolent  and  extrava- 
gant, should  there  be  any  such,  and  those  who  are  not  possessed 
of  the  requisite  talents,  will  be  discovered  and  set  aside ;  while 
the  diligent  and  promising  will  be  encouraged.  Especially,  is  this 
visit  of  a  member  of  the  Board  designed  to  promote  the  spiritual 
views,  and  experimental  piety,  of  the  beneficiaries.  The  pursuits 
of  literature  and  science,  in  connexion  with  powerful  motives  to 
excite  worldly  ambition,  are  found  often  to  be  unfavourable  to  the 
growth  of  vital  piety.  On  this  account  the  Directors  feel,  that 
special  exertions  ought  to  be  made,  and  means  used  ;  to  excite  in 
the  hearts  of  their  beneficiaries  religious  affections,  and  to  im- 
press continually  upon  them,  their  obligations  to  be  entirely  de- 
voted to  the  service  of  Christ,  and  the  interests  of  his  church. 

But  it  will  be  said  by  some  probably  that  notwithstanding 


12 

all  these  precautions,  cases  of  failure  do  occur,  unworthy  persons 
are  patronized,  money  and  labour  are  thrown  away  on  those  who 
are  destitute,  either  of  the  disposition  or  the  ability,  to  do  any 
thing  for  the  cause  which  they  have  professedly  espoused. 

Now  admitting  the  truth  of  this,  so  far  as  it  respects  a  few 
solitary  cases;  and  more  than  this  cannot  be  pretended;  are  we 
hence  driven  to  the  conclusion,  that  the  cause  is  bad,  and  that  the 
whole  concern  ought  to  be  abandoned?  If  so,  why  not  abandon 
every  object  of  human  pursuit  ?  For  in  what  department  of  hu- 
man affairs,  are  we  not  liable  to  partial  failure  and  loss  ?  The 
husbandman  finds  in  his  field,  the  withered  stock  and  the  blighted 
ear ;  sometimes  even  in  the  very  places,  where  nourishment  and 
culture  have  been  most  liberally  applied.  But  does  he  on  that 
account  conclude,  never  again  to  plant  or  sow  his  field  ? 

While  then  it  is  admitted,  that  some  instances  of  misconduct 
do  occur  among  those  who  are  patronized  by  this  Society  ;  the 
conclusion,  that  the  great  body  of  promising  beneficiaries  is  to  be 
forsaken,  by  no  means  follows.  The  fact  admitted,  should,  as  it 
doubtless  will,  lead  to  unremitted  caution  and  care,  in  those  who 
recommend,  and  those  who  examine  the  candidates  for  this  char- 
ity ;  but  it  will  never  lead  any  sincere  friend  of  the  cause,  to  re- 
lax his  efforts. 

At  the  same  time,  there  is  ample  evidence  that  the  friends  of 
this  cause  have  occasion  for  thankfulness  and  encouragement, 
that  so  many  of  the  youth  patronized  by  this  society,  do  feel 
their  obligations  to  Christ  and  his  people,  and  conduct  themselves 
to  the  satisfaction  of  their  benefactors. 

The  President  of  one  of  the  Colleges  in  New  England,  at 
which  there  are  at"  present  twenty  beneficiaries  of  this  society  ; 
and  at  which,  there  has  been  a  considerable  number  for  several 
years  past,  thus  writes  concerning  them.  "  We  have  been  pe- 
culiarly fortunate  in  our  beneficiaries.  Not  one  of  those  aided 
by  the  American  Education  Society,  has  failed  in  character ;  but 
one  I  think  for  want  of  respectable  talents  ;  and  one  only  to  my 
knowledge,  has  injured  the  cause  by  extravagance." 

The  President  of  another  College  in  New  England,  to  which 


13 

the  objects  of  this  charity  have  resorted,  says,  "  This  system  of 
charitable  education  is  a  great  benefit  to  our  Colleges.  The  col- 
lecting of  these  pious  youth,  and  drawing  them  into  contact  with 
the  other  inmates  of  our  Seminaries  ;  is  bringing  a  mighty  mass  of 
moral  influence  to  bear  upon  those,  who  are  to  wield  the  future 
destinies  of  our  country,  and  manage  the  sacred  interests  of  the 
church.  It  has  a  benign  influence  too,  upon  the  order  of  our 
Colleges.  In  short,  these  precious  youth  are  the  salt  cast  into  our 
literary  Fountains.  And  who  has  not  noticed  the  increase  of 
spiritual  blessings  on  our  Colleges,  since  these  Pensioners  of  Char- 
ity began  to  be  received." 

Other  testimony  of  the  same  kind,  and  to  the  same  purport, 
might  be  adduced  were  it  necessary. 

Indeed,  it  is  believed  that  there  is  not  a  College  in  our  coun- 
try, to  which  beneficiaries  have  resorted  for  education,  which  has 
not  furnished  abundant  testimony  to  their  salutary  influence  ;  and 
whose  officers  do  not  desire  an  increase  of  their  number. 

In  view  of  such  testimony,  it  is  necessary  only  to  inquire,  who 
is  most  likely  to  know  the  real  state  of  facts,  in  regard  to  the 
character  and  conduct  of  charity  scholars ; — their  teacher,  who 
has  them  under  his  daily  observation ;  or  the  mere  casual  obser- 
ver ;  or  what  is  still  more  common,  the  person  who  reports  what 
he  has  heard,  he  knows  not  from  whom,  or  on  what  authority  ? 
And  while  it  is  admitted,  that  there  are  some  examples  of  indis- 
cretion and  folly  among  those  who  are  patronized  ;  must  it  not  in 
candour  be  also  admitted,  that  the  greater  part  of  what  is  said  of 
the  pride  and  extravagance  of  charity  scholars  as  a'  body  ;  is 
mere  vague  unfounded  rumour  ?  Are  not  the  impressions  made 
by  a  few  unhappy  cases,  too  liberally  applied  to  all  charity  schol- 
ars, without  distinction  ;  and  has  not  the  great  majority,  compos- 
ed of  those  who  are  examples  of  sobriety,  and  patient  continuance 
in  well  doing,  been  too  much  overlooked  .? 

But  another  objection  comes  forward  on  different  ground  ; 
and  that  is,  that  there  are  already  more  ministers  in  our  country 
than  can  find  employment  or  support;  and  that  to  increase  their 
number,  will  be  only  to  multiply  useless  hands  and  disappointed 


14 

hearts.  This  objection  may  be  considered  as  a  declaration  of 
what  is  now  the  fact,  in  regard  to  the  superabundance  of  ministers 
in  our  country  ;  or  a  prediction  of  what  it  will  be,  if  the  work  of 
charitable  education  goes  on. 

In  both  these  points  of  view  then,  the  objection  deserves  ex- 
amination. As  to  the  present  state  of  the  case,  it  will  not  be  deni- 
ed that  there  are  unemployed  ministers  in  our  land  ;  and  it  is  pro- 
bable that  there  are  those,  who  find  it  difficult  to  obtain  employ- 
ment or  support,  even  though  they  desire  it.  But  it  is  apprehen- 
ded, that  this  fact  has  no  bearing  at  all  upon  the  question,  wheth- 
er our  country  is  supplied  with  competent  religious  teachers, 
neither  does  it  at  all  affect  the  question,  whether  we  ought  to 
increase  the  number  of  such  teachers. 

There  is  beyond  all  question,  a  class  of  persons  having  the 
garb  of  ministers  ;  who,  through  the  blind  partiality  of  friends,  or 
the  indifference  of  those  who  are  commanded  to  "  lay  hands  sud- 
denly on  no  man  ;"  have  made  their  way  into  this  sacred  office, 
without  talents  or  qualifications  suitable  for  it;  and  who  wander 
about  the  country,  or  hover  around  vacant  congregations,  seeming 
to  say,  "put  me,  I pray  thee,  into  one  of  the  priest' 's  offices,  that  I 
may  eat  a  piece  of  bread."  These  persons  are  of  course  unem- 
ployed, and  would  be,  were  the  number  of  ministers  an  hun- 
dred fold  less  than  it  is.  Their  disappointments  and  complaints, 
it  is  believed,  afford  the  principal  ground  for  the  objection  in  view. 
Such  cases,  though  they  afford  occasion  for  regret,  that  any  per- 
sons should  so  far  mistake  their  calling,  as  to  place  themselves  in 
these  circumstances ;  afford  no  ground  of  objection  to  the  aims 
of  Education  Societies. 

It  is  however  not  to  be  supposed,  that  all  unemployed  or  un- 
settled ministers  are  of  the  above  description.  Particular  causes, 
may  operate  to  suspend  the  stated  labours  of  some  of  the  most 
useful  and  respectable  Ministers.  But  as  a  general  remark  it 
will  doubtless  be  found  true,  that  those  who  cannot  find  employ- 
ment, are  those  who  do  not  deserve  it. 

A  decisive  fact  in  respect  to  this  subject,  and  one  which  is  de- 
rived from  authentic  documents,  is,  that  though  the  number  of 


15 

ministers  has  been  greatly  increased  ;  the  proportion  of  unemploy- 
ed ministers  and  candidates  in  New  England,  is  no  greater  than  it 
was  thirty  years  ago. 

If  then,  the  objector  means  to  be  understood,  that  there  are 
now  more  competent  and  properly  qualified  Ministers  in  our  coun- 
try, than  can  find  employment  or  support ;  the  declaration  is  most 
unequivocally  denied.  Directly  the  reverse  of  this,  is  the  fact. 
There  is  employment  and  support  too,  and  not  only  so,  there  are 
pressing  calls,  for  many  more  religious  teachers  of  this  character, 
than  can  be  found. 

The  evidence  of  this  is  ample  and  of  the  most  satisfactory  kind. 
"  A  man  who  is  at  the  head  of  one  of  our  Theological  Semi- 
naries, writing  in  behalf  of  himself  and  his  associates  in  office,  re- 
marks :"* 

"  It  is  a  great  mistake  to  suppose,  that  we  have  as  many  min- 
isters as  the  population  of  our  country  demands,  or  is  willing  to 
support.  Educate  men  of  the  right  stamp,  men  of  good  native 
talent,  and  of  ardent  piety  ;  and  educate  them  well ;  and  there 
will  be  no  danger  of  their  wanting  employment.  Every  man  of 
this  description  is  instantly  taken  up  the  moment  he  is  ready  to 
enter  the  field.  We  have  frequent  applications  for  Ministers  at 
our  Institution  which  we  cannot  satisfy.'''' 

The  following  remarks  are  from  the  professors  of  another  of 
our  Theological  Seminaries,  exhibiting  the  result  of  their  experi- 
ence on  the  subject. 

"  There  is  no  reason  to  apprehend  that  the  measures  of  Ed- 
ucation Societies  will  produce  too  many  ministers.  The  ground 
assumed  by  some,  is  not  indeed  to  be  admitted  as  the  basis  of 
calculation,  namely,  that  the  supply  is  sufficient  when  it  corres- 
ponds with  the  actual  demand,  from  destitute  places.  This  prin- 
ciple is  good  in  commerce,  but  not  in  religion.  Had  Christ  act- 
ed upon  it,  one  Apostle  would  have  been  as  good  as  twelve  ;  for 
Corinth,  Antioch,   and  Rome  would  never  have  sent  for  these 

*  Several  items  of  testimony  on  this   subject  are  extracted  from  the  re- 
ports of  the  Presbyterian  Education  Society  in  the  city  of  New  York. 


16 

preachers  ;  and  the  wide  world,  at  this  moment,  would  have  been 
ignorant  of  the  Gospel.  Pagans,  and  unevangelized  parts  of  Chris- 
tendom will  never  have  the  Gospel  till  preachers  are  raised  up, 
who  will  '  go  and  preach  the  Gospel  to  them.' 

"  But  there  are  not  preachers  enough  to  supply  the  actual  de- 
mand. From  Missionary  Societies,  and  from  vacant  places,  in 
near  and  in  distant  states,  calls  are  every  year  made  on  our  Sem- 
inary for  preachers,  more  than  we  can  meet.  In  some  cases  these 
applications  are  expressed  in  terms  of  urgency  that  make  a  sol- 
emn and  tender  appeal  to  our  hearts,  while  it  is  not  in  our  power 
to  furnish  any  supply.  The  truth  is,  that  all  the  means  now  in 
operation  by  our  Education  Societies,  and  Theological  Institutions 
to  increase  the  number  of  able  and  devoted  ministers  of  Christ, 
are  very  inadequate  to  the  increasing,  spiritual  necessities  of  our 
own  country.  And  still  more  do  these  need  to  be  augmented,  to 
keep  pace  with  the  spirit  of  the  age,  in  sending  the  Gospel  to  the 
heathen." 

Here  then  we  have  the  fact  fully  substantiated,  that  there  are 
frequent  applications  for  preachers,  which  cannot  be  answered 
for  want  of  men.  For  who  can  be  supposed  to  be  better  acquaint- 
ed with  the  state  of  facts  on  this  subject,  than  Theological  Teach- 
ers ?  If  there  are  unemployed  ministers,  of  suitable  character  to 
be  recommended,  the  Professors  in  our  Theological  Seminaries 
must  be  acquainted  with  them. 

But  let  us  look  for  a  moment  at  some  other  sources  of  evi- 
dence on  this  point. 

The  Prudential  Committee  of  the  American  Board  of  Com- 
missioners for  Foreign  Missions,  in  a  late  report,  speaking  of  the 
employment  of  Agents  in  their  service  say  :  "  But  such  is  the 
demand  for  the  labours  of  licensed  preachers,  that  only  the  two 
persons  whose  names  have  been  mentioned  as  new  missionaries, 
could  be  obtained  as  Agents  through  the  year."  And  it  is  fur- 
ther verbally  stated  by  a  member  of  the  Prudential  Committee, 
that  they  have  experienced  the  greatest  difficulty  in  finding  men, 
at  liberty  to  engage  in  this  service ;  and  that  after  every  effort,  they 
have  been  unable  to  procure  as  many  as  were  desirable  ;  and  in 


17 

many  instances  not  half  the  number  they  wished.  The  question 
then  occurs,  where  are  the  unemployed  ministers  in  our  country, 
who  cannot  find  support  ?  If  they  are  of  suitable  character  and 
qualifications  to  be  employed,  why  are  they  not  to  be  found, 
when  all  this  demand  exists? 

Perhaps  it  will  be  said,  they  are  in  our  new  settlements,  en- 
deavouring to  find  employment  and  support  there.  Let  us  then 
hear  the  report  of  the  case,  as  it  appears  to  those  living  in  our 
frontier  settlements,  and  well  acquainted  with  their  circumstances. 
The  President  of  one  of  our  western  Colleges  writes  as  fol- 
lows. "  As  to  the  paralyzing  suggestions  that  too  many  are  on 
the  education  list,  I  am  surprised  that  any  christian  with  the  general 
means  of  information,  can  be  so  unacquainted  with  the  extent  of 
our  vast  moral  desert,  teeming  with  ignorance  of  the  plan  of  sal- 
vation, with  error  in  doctrine,  and  with  vice  of  frightful  mien. 
So  far  from  encouraging  too  many  to  become  labourers  in  the 
vineyard,  our  Education  Societies  should  exert  every  faculty  they 
possess,  till  where  there  is  now  one,  there  shall  be  at  least  ten 
young  men,  of  hopeful  piety  and  talents,  ardently  engaged  in 
preparing  for  the  most  important  object  upon  earth." 

A  writer  in  the  Boston  Recorder  &  Telegraph  of  Nov.  1825, 
speaking  of  Michigan  Territory  observes  ; — "  Until  the  present 
summer  I  believe,  no  ordained  Protestant  Minister  has  been  lo- 
cated in  any  part  of  this  Territory.  This  Territory  is  fast  filling 
up  with  settlers  from  New  York  and  the  Eastern  States.  Several 
thousand  actual  settlers  have  come  in  during  the  present  season  ; 
and  there  is  promise  of  a  still  greater  number  the  next  year.  Is 
there  no  Missionary  Society,  are  there  no  friends  of  Zion  who 
will  encourage  us  to  hope,  that  we  also  are  remembered  in  their 
prayers,  and  that,  while  the  sons  of  New  England  sit  down  among 
us,  and  hope  to  gain  worldly  riches,  in  the  bosom  of  this  fertile 
country ;  we  may  also  hear  the  glad  tidings  of  salvation,  under  our 
own  vine  and  fig-tree  with  none  to  make  us  afraid.  If  our  wishes 
can  be  realized,  then  shall  we  and  our  children  rejoice  with  you, 
then  shall  the  wilderness  blossom  as  the  rose,  and  the  desert 
places  be  made  glad." 
3 


18 

\  Missionary  labouring  in  the  same  Territory  observes  : — 
"  The  Lord's  people  are  desirous  that  the  same  means  should  be 
continued,  and  also  that  more  Missionaries  of  the  Cross  should  be 
sent  over  to  help  them.  None,  but  those  residing  in  this  desti- 
tute region,  can  be  adequately  sensible  of  the  need  there  is,  that 
more  heralds  of  salvation  should  be  sent  to  this  part  of  the  Lord's 
heritage.  Here  in  the  wilderness,  where  eighteen  months  ago 
no  civilized  man  resided,  the  standard  of  the  Cross  is  now  erect- 
ed, here  are  excellent  ones,  who  love  to  meet  and  pray  and  sing 
and  learn  the  way  of  truth." 

A  writer,  in  the  above  mentioned  Paper,  says  respecting  the 
new  settlements  with  which  he  is  conversant, — "  In  these  climes 
are  a  people  not  only  willing,  but  waiting  to  hear  the  Gospel. 
They  once  heard  it  with  delight,  and  those  days,  though  far  gone 
by,  are  not  forgotten.  They  love  the  faithful  Minister,  and  would 
gladly  contribute  to  his  support,  but  candidates  cannot  be  found." 

From  the  reports  made  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Pres- 
byterian Church  in  the  United  States,  it  appears  that  the  number 
of  vacant  Churches  and  Congregations  within  their  limits,  and  in 
their  denomination  alone,  was  in  1819 — 400;  and  in  1823  it  had 
increased  to  769 ;  making  an  increase  of  369  in  four  years. 
These  vacancies  must  have  been  chiefly  occasioned,  by  the  for- 
mation of  new  congregations  and  churches  in  the  new  settlements 
of  the  south  and  west.  And  in  the  most  of  them,  it  is  but  reason- 
able to  suppose,  the  way  is  prepared  for  the  settlement  and  sup- 
port of  ministers  if  they  could  be  obtained.  Thus  it  appears  that 
instead  of  a  present  excess  of  ministers  in  our  country,  there  is  an 
actual  and  great  deficiency ;  and  that  hundreds  more  than  can 
now  be  found,  of  suitable  qualifications,  might  find  immediate  em- 
ployment and  support. 

But  the  objection  under  consideration  may  have  a  prospective 
view,  and  be  regarded  as  giving  the  alarm,  lest  the  country  should 
by  and  by,  be  overrun  with  a  race  of  mendicant  clergy.  But 
whence  arises  this  apprehension  ?  Will  it  be  said  that  our  popu- 
lation is  stationary  as  to  its  increase,  or  that  there  are  not  vast 
Territories  on  our  western  border,  stretching  to  the  shores  of  the 


19 

Pacific  Ocean ;  to  be  peopled  by  our  descendants  ?  Will  it  be 
said  that,  while  the  number  of  inhabitants  doubles  every  twenty  five 
years,  there  will  be  no  room  for  an  increasing  number  of  relig- 
ious teachers  ?  Surely  no  one,  tolerably  acquainted  with  the  state 
of  facts,  can  deny,  that  we  have  every  reason  to  expect  an  in- 
creasing demand  for  labourers  of  this  character.  Neither  will 
it  be  denied,  that  those  parts  of  our  country  where  this  deficien- 
cy exists,  or  which  are  yet  to  be  occupied,  will  afford  abundant 
means  of  supporting  religious  institutions.  They  are  among  the 
most  fertile  regions  in  our  land,  capable  of  supporting  a  dense 
population,  and  of  affording  the  means  of  enjoying  every  religious 
privilege. 

The  objection  then  must  be  founded  on  the  apprehension,  that 
the  inhabitants  in  our  new  settlements,  and  in  those  regions  of 
our  country  which  are  yet  to  be  occupied,  will  not  be  disposed 
to  employ  and  support  preachers  of  the  Gospel. — But  what  is  the 
testimony  of  past  events  on  this  point  ?  It  is  but  a  few  years  since 
the  greater  part  of  the  states  of  New  York,  Vermont,  and  Ohio 
were  in  the  same  condition,  as  to  religious  privileges,  with  those 
regions  which  are  now  opening  still  farther  west. — And  many  of 
us  can  remember  the  time,  when  this  very  objection  was  alleged 
against  all  attempts  to  supply  these  States  with  religious  instruction. 
The  language  of  objection  then  was ;  it  will  do  no  good  to  send 
preachers  into  those  new  settlements ;  the  inhabitants  never  will 
support  the  institutions  of  the  Gospel,  and  will  treat  all  exertions 
for  their  benefit,  with  contempt. — But  preachers  and  missionaries 
went  forth  to  sow  the  seed  of  truth,  in  what  was  then  a  wilder- 
ness, in  a  moral  as  well  as  in  a  natural  sense.  And  what  has 
been  the  effect  ?  Churches  are  planted,  Ministers  are  settled  and 
supported,  elegant  and  spacious  houses  of  christian  worship  are 
built,  large  congregations  regularly  assemble  ;  the  Spirit  of  God 
is  poured  out  upon  them,  extensive  revivals  and  ingatherings  are 
frequent ;  and  in  no  part  of  our  country,  are  the  privileges  of  the 
Gospel  more  highly  esteemed  or  honoured.  In  addition  to  this,  as 
the  effect  of  ministerial  and  religious  influence,  we  see  flourishing 
Colleges  and  Theological  Seminaries  rising  up  in  those  places,  to 


20 

diffuse  the  light  of  science  and  religion  around  them. — And  here, 
the  objector  is  requested  to  pause,  and  reflect  on  the  present  con- 
dition of  the  portions  of  our  country  above  mentioned  ;  and  then 
to  ask  himself,  what  reason  he  has  to  conclude,  that  Indiana,  Illi- 
nois, Missouri,  and  Michigan,  will  not  be  as  ready  to  receive  and 
support  christian  teachers,  or  that  they  will  not  experience  as  hap- 
py effects  from  their  labours  as  New  York,  Vermont,  and  a  part 
of  Ohio  ?  And  if  there  is  no  such  reason,  then  what  ground  have 
we  to  suppose  that  preachers  of  the  gospel,  in  vastly  increasing 
numbers,  will  not  be  demanded  ?  Is  it  said  that  we  must  wait 
until  this  demand  is  actually  made,  and  the  way  for  the  support  of 
christian  teachers  fully  prepared,  before  we  take  any  measures  to 
prepare  the  supply  ?  It  may  be  replied,  the  demand  is  actually 
made,  and  the  way  for  support  actually  prepared,  beyond  any 
means  of  supply  which  we  have  in  hand.  But  rf  it  were  not  so,  if 
the  field  is  to  be  tilled  by  the  christian  labourer  before  it  can  afford 
him  support,  it  presents  no  obstacle  or  discouragement.  What  if 
Paul  and  his  fellow  labourers  had  waited  for  the  fruit,  before  they 
sowed  the  seed  of  truth,  where  would  have  been  the  churches 
which  they  planted,  and  what  would  have  become  of  the  world  ? 

It  is  surely  enough  for  us  to  know,  that  preachers  of  the  Gos- 
pel will  be  needed  in  our  country,  and  that,  far  beyond  any  pres- 
ent means  of  supply  ;  and  to  know,  that,  according  to  all  past  ex- 
perience, their  labours  will  be  productive  of  support  to  themselves, 
as  well  as  of  the  blessings  of  the  Gospel  to  others. 

Thus  far  then,  we  find  no  valid  objection  against  the  designs 
of  Education  Societies. 

It  is  freely  acknowledged  however,  that  there  are  peculiar 
difficulties  attending  the  operations  of  this  Society  ;  difficulties 
which,  though  they  evince  no  defect  in  the  system,  and  present 
no  insurmountable  obstacle  in  the  way  of  ultimate  success  ;  still, 
need  to  be  understood  by  the  christian  public,  that  this  undertak- 
ing may  not  be  exposed  to  an  undue  share  of  prejudice. 

Some  of  these  difficulties  arise  from  the  fact,  that  the  scene 
of  operations  is  laid  in  the  midst  of  us,  and  all  the  imperfections 
which  attend  every  system  of  human  efforts,  are  here,  open  and 


21 

visible  to  all.  The  proximity  of  the  scene  of  action,  increases  the 
apparent  magnitude  of  every  error,  and  causes  it  to  remain  long- 
er in  view.  Difficulties,  which  attend  benevolent  enterprises  on 
another  continent,  or  in  distant  Islands  of  the  Sea,  are  perhaps 
never  known  to  the  great  body  of  the  community  at  home  ;  or  if 
known,  it  is  only  in  a  partial  degree.  Their  distance  divests  them 
of  many  alarming  aspects,  and  passing  rapidly  over  the  field  of 
vision,  they  are  soon  forgotten. 

But  if  a  beneficiary  of  this  Society  is  betrayed  into  any  impru- 
dence, it  is  at  once  discovered,  and  a  thousand  tongues  are  in 
motion  to  give  it  publicity.  If  a  case  of  failure  or  apostacy  oc- 
curs, the  nuisance  of  such  an  example  cannot  be  removed  from 
public  view  ;  but  the  apostate  lives  and  acts  among  us,  to  grieve 
the  feelings  of  friends,  and  strengthen  the  hands  of  enemies. 

There  is  also  another  cause  of  embarrassment,  which  must 
not  be  passed  over  in  silence.  The  objects  of  this  charity  are  se- 
lected from  neighbourhoods  and  families,  in  all  parts  of  the  coun- 
try. By  this  means,  the  proceedings  of  the  Society  are  brought 
directly  in  contact  with  many  selfish  and  envious  feelings,  and  thus 
become  the  innocent  occasion  of  much  prejudice  and  opposition. 
A  youth  is  selected  on  the  ground  that  he  is  hopefully  pious,  and 
is  placed  in  what  many  consider  a  situation  ot  distinction.  He 
becomes  a  student,  a  member  of  College,  and  lives  apparently  at 
ease  ;  while  his  neighbours  and  their  sons,  who  work  hard  to  ob- 
tain a  living,  are  called  upon  to  contribute  for  his  support.  They 
imagine  that  he  is  becoming  a  gentleman,  and  feels  proud  at  their 
expense  ;  and  therefore  resolve  that  they  will  give  nothing  to  a 
system  which  produces  such  effects.  This  evil  results,  not  from 
any  defect  in  the  operations  of  this  Society,  but  from  the  mistak- 
en views  and  narrow  feelings,  which  inhabit  individual  bosoms. 
It  is  an  evil  therefore,  which  the  Directors  cannot  possibly  avoid  ; 
unless  they  could  communicate  piety  to  all  whom  they  might,  on 
other  accounts,  be  glad  to  patronise  ;  or  unless  they  could  enlarge 
the  hearts  of  individuals,  and  prepare  them  to  submit  to  this  al- 
lotment of  Providence. — At  the  same  time,  it  is  not  to  be  denied 
that  there  are  danger,  and  difficulty,  arising  from  the  inHuence  of 


22 

these  charitable  operations  upon  those  selected  as  the  objects. 
The  weakness  of  human  nature  exposes  them  to  become  giddy 
and  vain  from  this  sudden  elevation. — For  this,  as  well  as  for  ev- 
ery other  evil  propensity  of  our  natures,  the  grace  of  God  is  the 
only  effectual  remedy.  And  we  have  occasion  ardently  to  pray 
for  these  objects  of  christian  charity  ;  that  they  may  be  taught  of 
God  by  his  Spirit,  and  be  thus  qualified,  in  the  most  important 
of  all  senses,  for  his  service. 

The  design  of  this  Society  and  its  methods  of  proceeding,  to- 
gether with  a  view  of  the  objections  and  difficulties  which  attend 
them,  have  now  been  exhibited.  It  only  remains  then,  that  we 
take  a  brief  view  of  the  importance  of  this  design,  and  the  oppor- 
tunity which  it  affords  every  friend  of  religion,  and  of  the  best  in- 
terests of  human  society,  to  communicate  extensive  good. 

At  first  sight,  this  design  meets  the  approbation  of  every  can- 
did mind.  The  ministry  of  the  Gospel,  we  know,  is  one  of  the 
appointed  ordinances  of  God  for  the  temporal  and  eternal  bene- 
fit of  man.  Without  it,  we  cannot  expect  to  find  the  blessings 
of  social  order ;  or  the  well  grounded  hopes  of  a  happy  immor- 
tality, existing  in  the  world. 

To  provide  then  a  supply  of  competent  religious  teachers,  is 
a  design,  which  must  commend  itself  to  every  man's  judgment 
and  conscience. 

Indeed,  it  requires  but  little  candid  attention  to  this  subject,  to 
convince  every  mind  that  something  must  be  done  ;  something 
more  extensive  and  efficient  than  has  been  done,  to  provide  a  sup- 
ply of  qualified  christian  teachers  for  our  country ;  if  we  would 
retain  the  character  and  blessings  of  a  christian  community. 

There  are  two  facts,  which  bring  us  unavoidably  to  this  con- 
clusion. 

In  the  first  place.  A  very  large  portion  of  our  country  is  at 
this  moment  destitute  of  any  competent  religious  instruction. 

The  evidence  of  this  fact  has  already  been  partially  exhibited 
in  reply  to  an  objection,  and  it  has  been  frequently  in  different 
forms  presented  to  the  public,  in  all  the  detail  of  arithmetical  cal- 
culation.    Nothing  more  need  be  said,  fully  to  substantiate  the 


23 

preceding  statement.  It  may  however,  not  be  amiss  to  subjoin 
a  few  simple  illustrations  of  this  fact,  derived  from  the  most  au- 
thentic sources. 

The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  their 
report  of  the  state  of  religion  within  their  limits  in  1825,  say, — 
"  We  would  first  notice  the  fearful  extent  and  unanswered  calls 
of  our  vacant  territory  in  the  south  and  west.  A  famine,  not 
of  bread  nor  of  water,  but  of  the  word  of  life,  presses  them 
down  to  eternal  death.  As  specimens  of  this  wide  and  melan- 
choly waste,  the  population  of  Missouri  and  Illinois,  amounts  to 
160,000  ;  and  covers  a  region  of  country,  500  miles  square. 
We  have  within  these  limits  already  eighteen  churches,  and  yet, 
only  seven  ordained  ministers,  and  one  licentiate.  In  Mississippi 
and  Louisiana  are  230,000  inhabitants,  scattered  over  80,000 
square  miles.  The  great  body  of  these  belong  to  no  church,  and 
enjoy  no  ministration  of  the  Gospel  from  any  christian  denomina- 
tion. And  in  all  this  vast  territory  we  have  only  eleven  ministers 
of  the  Gospel  established." 

A  clergyman  from  the  state  of  Ohio  thus  writes  ; — "  the  pres- 
ent state  of  our  western  republic,  with  regard  to  its  religious  insti- 
tutions and  religious  character,  is  certainly  deplorable.  Take  for 
example  the  state  of  Ohio.  It  contains  a  population  of  more  than 
700,000.  And  all  the  efficient  ministers,  of  all  the  christian  de- 
nominations in  the  state  do  not  exceed  300.  There  will  be  then 
a  deficiency  (allowing  one  minister  to  a  thousand  souls)  of  400 
ministers  of  the  Gospel  in  this  state  ;  leaving  a  destitute  popula- 
tion of  400,000." 

The  result  of  the  whole  view  of  the  moral  desolations  of  our 
country,  which  is  presented  by  authentic  documents,  is  ;  that  there 
is  at  present  a  deficiency  of  6,500  ministers ;  after  making  allow- 
ance for  the  existing  competent  religious  teachers  of  every  chris- 
tian denomination.  And  this  deficiency  is  by  no  means  confined 
to  the  scattered  population  of  recent  settlements,  it  is  found  in 
wealthy  and  populous  regions,  where  churches  and  congregations 
already  exist. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Rice,  of  a  Theological  Seminary  in  Virginia 


24 

observes ;  "  I  have  heard  a  gentleman,  whose  word  is  as  good  as 
his  oath,  say,  that  in  one  district  in  our  country,  Compact,  rich 
and  populous,  there  were  60,000  people  connected  with  no  relig- 
ious denomination  whatever.  Another  tells  us  of  180,000,  with- 
out religious  teachers  ;  and  another,  of  a  district  of  100  miles  in 
extent  where  there  is  but  one  settled  minister." 

From  recent  reports  of  Ecclesiastical  bodies  in  the  United 
States  it  appears,  that  there  were  within  the  limits  of  the  Presby- 
terian church,  769  vacant  congregations ;  in  the  Baptist  denomina- 
tion, 1035  vacant  churches  ;  and  in  the  Episcopal  church,  more 
than  100.  In  New  Hampshire,  according  to  the  latest  accounts, 
there  were  100  destitute  churches;  in  Vermont  81  towns,  that 
had  no  minister  of  any  denomination.  These  few  examples  may 
serve  to  show  the  destitute  condition  of  our  country  as  to  present 
religious  instruction. 

In  the  second  place.  The  other  fact  alluded  to  is,  that  the 
population  of  our  country  doubles  once  in  25  years. — If  then,  there 
were  at  present  an  adequate  supply,  and  we  might  rationally  cal- 
culate that  this  supply  would  continue  ;  yet,  in  twenty  five  years 
there  would  be  double  the  present  number  of  religious  teachers 
needed.  In  fifty  years,  the  number  of  teachers  remaining  merely 
adequate  to  the  present  population,  there  would  be  more  than 
30,000,000  of  people  in  this  country,  destitute  of  religious  instruc- 
tion. 

But  when  we  take  into  the  account  the  actual  state  of  the  case, 
when  we  reflect  that  there  is  a  present  deficiency  of  6,500  min- 
isters, and  that  the  number  of  ministers,  according  to  past  expe- 
rience, doubles  only  once  in  about  60  years,  while  the  population 
doubles  in  25  ;  we  can  easily  see  the  fearful  consequences,  which 
a  few  years  to  come  must  disclose. 

Does  any  one  call  this  an  attempt  at  prediction ;  or  coldly  say. 
we  know  not  what  will  be  a  century  hence  ?  The  answer  is  easy. 
The  common  laws  of  nature  teach  us  the  connexion  between  cause 
and  effect. 

As  a  natural  consequence  of  the  two  facts  before  us,  we  are 
presented  with  the  appalling  spectacle,  of  a  nation,  among  the  most 


25 

populous  on  the  globe,  descended  from  christian  ancestry  ;  and 
yet,  nine  tenths  of  its  population  destitute  of  every  species  of  re- 
ligious instruction. — And  who  are  they  that  will  in  all  probability, 
and  in  a  few  generations,  be  thus  destitute  ?  They  are  our  own 
children,  and  grandchildren,  our  kindred  according  to  the  flesh ; 
whose  salvation  we  now  consider  as  far  more  important  than  ev- 
ery earthly  interest.  And  must  this  state  of  things  be  witnessed 
in  our  beloved  country  and  among  our  own  descendants  ?  The 
answer  is,  it  must,  inevitably,  and  that  in  a  few  years,  unless 
something  effectual  and  speedy  is  done  to  prevent  it. 

Are  we  not  then  ready  to  adopt  the  conclusion  of  those,  who 
first  met  at  Boston  to  deliberate  on  this  subject, — "  That  all  good 
men  are  called  upon  to  unite  in  immediate  and  vigorous  efforts  to 
provide  a  remedy  ?"  And  shall  we  not  agree  with  them,  in  the 
"  expediency  of  forming  a  Society  for  the  purpose  of  aiding  indi- 
gent young  men  of  talents  and  hopeful  piety,  in  acquiring  a  com- 
petent education  for  the  Gospel  ministry  ?"  But  if  it  was  expedi- 
ent to  form  such  a  Society,  it  is  expedient  and  necessary  to  sup- 
port it. 

Is  it  too  much  to  say,  that  on  the  success  of  this  Society,  are 
suspended  the  hopes  of  our  destitute  frontier,  of  our  vacant  church- 
es, and  of  the  multitudes  of  our  children,  who  in  future  genera- 
tions shall  inhabit  the  vast  regions  of  the  west  ?  For  if  this  Soci- 
ety should  fail,  what  other  resort  is  there,  what  other  method  can 
we  devise,  to  provide  for  the  wants  of  our  land,  which  are  already 
alarming,  and  are  every  year  rapidly  increasing  ? 

But,  in  estimating  the  importance  of  this  undertaking,  we 
must  not  confine  our  view  to  the  wants  of  our  own  country.  It  is 
not  to  be  forgotten,  that  our  country,  is  but  a  small  portion  of  a 
world  that  lieth  in  wickedness ;  and  that,  while  six  millions  in  our 
own  land  are  famishing  for  want  of  the  bread  of  life  ;  this  number 
is  increased  an  hundred  fold,  when  we  survey  the  moral  state  of 
the  human  family.  The  time  we  hope  is  drawing  near,  when  the 
dark  places  of  the  earth  will  be  enlightened.  But  how  is  this  to 
be  accomplished  .?  It  must  be,  through  the  instrumentality  of 
preachers  of  the  Gospel.  But  where  are  these  preachers,  and 
4 


26 

how  are  they  to  be  obtained  ?  We  do  not  expect  that  God  will 
produce  preachers  by  a  miracle,  any  more  than  we  expect  that  he 
will  miraculously  convert  the  world  without  them. 

Bible  and  Missionary  Societies  have  an  important  part  to  act 
in  this  great  work  of  spreading  the  light  of  truth,  but  what  can 
i  hey  do,  without  agents  to  accomplish  their  designs ;  and  mission- 
aries to  carry  the  Bible  to  destitute  regions,  and  to  explain  its 
truths  ?  What  in  short,  can  any  benevolent  institution  effect,  with- 
out the  instruments,  which  this  Society  proposes  to  raise  up  and 
qualify  for  the  work  ?  The  Education  Society,  may  then  well 
claim  a  chief  place  among  the  kindred  institutions  of  the  present 
age.  Other  societies  furnish  the  means  and  the  matter  ;  but  this 
furnishes  the  living  Agents,  on  whose  instrumentality  the  whole 
work  depends  for  execution. 

Know  then,  christian  brethren,  that  a  Society  has  been  formed 
for  the  purposes  already  stated,  that  it  has  been  in  successful  op- 
eration for  several  years,  that  it  has  a  large  number  of  interesting 
youths  now  depending  on  its  patronage,  and  that  it  needs  the  fa- 
vor and  support  of  the  friends  of  religion  in  the  community.  And 
now,  in  behalf  of  destitute  regions  of  our  country  and  of  the  world, 
in  behalf  of  the  cause  of  Christ,  which  we  all  profess  to  love  su- 
premely ;  the  appeal  is  made  to  every  minister  of  Christ,  to  every 
church,  to  every  friend  of  the  best  interests  of  man  ;  will  you  not 
open  your  hearts  to  this  subject,  will  you  not  receive  with  effec- 
tive kindness  and  liberality,  this  solicitation?  Will  you  not  put  to 
this  work  an  helping  hand,  and  consecrate  a  portion  of  your  treas- 
ure to  an  enterprise,  so  clearly  benevolent  and  so  extensively  ben- 
eficial ? 

Truly  the  harvest  is  plenteous,  but  the  labourers  are  few.  May 
the  Lord  of  the  harvest,  through  the  liberality  of  his  people,  send 
forth  Labourers  into  his  harvest. 

THCrPU     UADVrV       (General  Agent  in  behalf  of  the 
JUSHirll    HAK  V  JL.  I  ,     I         Committee  of  Agency. 

-Andover,  Jan.  2,  1826. 


27 


The  Directors  feel  it  to  be  their  duty  in  this  place  to  repeat 
a  Statement  respecting  the  condition  of  the  Treasury,  which 
was  first  published  in  the  Boston  Recorder  8f  Telegraph  of  last 
July;  and  to  add  a  brief  notice  of  its  present  circumstances. 

The  Directors  of  the  American  Education  Society,  at  their  meet- 
ing on  the  13th  inst-  found  that  the  monies  in  the  hands  of  the  Treas- 
urer for  current  use  were  less,  by  about  $600,  than  a  sufficient  sum 
to  meet  the  usual  quarterly  appropriations.  The  sums  heretofore 
granted  have  been  barely  adequate  to  the  wants  of  those  indigent 
young  men  who  practise  a  rigid  economy.  No  farther  reduction 
could  be  made,  without  disappointment  to  all,  and  without  real  dis- 
tress and  appalling  discouragement  to  some  of  these  young  men,  nor 
without  a  very  inconvenient  derangement  of  an  extended  and  com- 
plex system  of  operations. 

The  Directors  felt  constrained,  under  these  circumstances,  to 
make  appropriations  as  usual,  and  to  authorize  the  Treasurer  to  bor- 
row, if  necessary,  a  sum  adequate  to  the  demand.  Such  an  exigen- 
cy, though  repeatedly  apprehended  before,  has  always  been  avoid- 
ed by  a  seasonable  appeal  to  the  Christian  public,  who  have  in  ev- 
ery case,  promptly  furnished  relief.  In  the  present  instance,  the 
want  of  funds  has  resulted  unavoidably  from  the  want  of  a  General 
Agency  for  the  Society, — an  office  which  has  been  extremely  need- 
ed, and  which  the  Directors  hope  to  see  shortly  occupied.  In  the 
mean  time  it  is  confidently  hoped  that  they  who  are  never  weary  in 
well  doing  will  see  in  this  simple  statement  of  facts,  an  urgent  mo- 
tive to  aid  immediately  the  Treasury  of  a  Society  that  has  shared 
so  largely  in  their  prayers  and  beneficence,  and  done  so  much  for 
the  interests  of  the  church.  That  to  have  these  exigencies  supplied 
it  is  only  necessary  to  make  them  known,  is  the  pleasing  and  almost 
certain  expectation  of  the  Committee  of  the  Board  of  Directors. 

WARREN    FAY. 


In  addition  to  the  above,  it  may  now  be  stated  that  the  Di- 
rectors at  their  quarterly  meeting  in  October  last  found  it  neces- 
sary to  authorize  the  Treasurer  to  borrow  a  much  larger  sum, 
that  they  might  make  out  their  quarterly  appropriations,  and  not 
interrupt  the  studies  of  those  youth  who  are  looking  to  them  for 
help.  This  the  Directors  have  done  from  the  necessity  of  the  case, 
and  because  they  felt  perfectly  assured,  from  past  experience. 


^»Oj 


28 

that  when  the  circumstances  should  be  fairly  made  known,  the 
friends  and  patrons  of  the  Society  would  not  wish  them  to  with- 
draw or  diminish  their  customary  appropriations,  but  would 
promptly  furnish  the  necessary  means  to  proceed  with  this  great 
work.  It  is  to  be  remembered  also,  that  another  quarterly  meet- 
ing is  approaching,  and  that  others  will  follow  in  regular  order, 
when,  unless  our  Treasury  is  speedily  replenished,  the  Directors 
must  be  compelled  to  resort  to  the  unpleasant  measure  of  in- 
creasing their  debt,  or  of  abandoning  the  objects  of  this  charity. 


8 


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